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Some of you may know, but I have a feeling most of you don't, but September is Suicide-Prevention month. It is important. This is a month to recognize those that struggle with life and all its misgivings, and also to let them know that there is someone here for them.

I should know. I have lost a number of friends and family members to suicide. Just because someone seems happy, and always smiling, that doesn't really show you how they feel. What does matter is looking past what they express, and actually asking them what is going on.

I am a struggler of early-onset depression. I have my good days, and I have my bad days, and the fact is I struggle with suicide, almost on a daily basis. But I have people here for me. I have people holding me here, and here for me to hold on to.

But there are so many people that don't realize how much words or actions hurt people. I'm a junior in high school, and there are so many people who just don't care about those around them. This month is a month to show those kinds of people that actions have consequences, and so many more repercussions than they know.

So, have a heart. Make a difference. But more importantly, care. Be there for people. Even asking someone how their day was can just brighten their day.

September 19, 2018
2:39 p.m.

As someone who lost an uncle to suicide not that long ago it puts some ease to my mind that theres people out there trying to prevent it from happening. Its something you dont understand until it happens to you

September 19, 2018
2:41 p.m.

Definitely a complicated subject. there are so many things that lead to depression and lows that make people believe that suicide is a viable option. Ranging from mental issues as trivial as teenage angst to those suffering from PTSD or outside influences affecting the persons quality of life such as a disease/disability to addiction/consequences of choice or victim of some other circumstance.

My advise to someone plagued by depression/suffering from lows is to have hope...set goals and to have faith.

Hope: Tomorrow isnt something to dread/run from or even have indifference about. Tomorrow brings possibility for change/something good. kinda like being in topedeck mode in a game of magic there is always hope/a chance you can draw into something that can turn the game around for you and lead towards something better.

Goals: Set attainable goals for yourself both big and small. If you dont have goals you are like a boat without a rudder; you aint going anywhere....and make sure you celebrate goals that are met! whether its little stuff like getting caught up with the dishes/laundry or bigger things like paying off a credit card... be proud of yourself!

Faith: Whether thats in a religious/philisophical sense or yourself/other people or whatever. Find something to believe in and find it for yourself.

September 19, 2018
3:29 p.m.

I used to have depression. I remember vividly planning to end my life on several occasions. Good friends and lots of effort kept me here. I've been out of it for 6 or so years. The you you're at in your darkest moments doesn't reflect who you are at your core. It gets better. I know it's cliche as all hall, but it's true.

September 19, 2018
4:06 p.m.

September 19, 2018
4:25 p.m.

That sucking-void feeling of emptiness from no relevant attachments and feeling like trying to make new ones is just sooo much work...The weight of reality dragging you to your knees...It’s a real game changer when you realize you’re not actually alone. Realizing it and feeling it still aren’t the same though. Remember, you have people who care about you, no matter who you are, there’s someone. Even if it’s a help line.

I’ve been struggling with depression most of my adult life. I’ve on more occasions than I’m proud of considered giving up, made the plans and never followed through. Don’t let the thoughts and the hopelessness get the better of you. We’ve lost too many people that way already and nobody wants that for you.

I’m glad that you can be open and honest about it, it brings people together and helps remind us all that we are not alone.

September 20, 2018
3:13 a.m.

I'm not sure I have that much to add to this thread, but felt it was important to voice my support for this topic and for the great posts people have written so far. I've been very fortunate and have never lost anyone to suicide, but I've had several friends who've considered it seriously. Several years ago, I surprised a friend they were preparing to kill themselves, and I still have nightmares about what would have happened if I opened the door even a minute later.

The one thing I do want to add based on some truly heartbreaking cases I've seen recently but can't get into. If someone you know is struggling or has made an attempt, your focus should be on their well-being. I know that seems like a bit of a no-brainier, but it's really depressing how many people's first thought is not "how can I help?" but "how can I leverage this to my advantage?"

September 20, 2018
1:09 p.m.

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